The Joan 2020 Season

2020

WELCOME

Photo: Alana Dimou

THEJOAN.COM.AU 2

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

6

PENRITH ARTS LOVER

8

SEASON AT A GLANCE

10

80S FILM FESTIVAL

12

SEASON 2020 KIDS & FAMILIES

14 – 60 20, 30, 44, 54, 58, 60

YOUNG ADULTS

26, 42

SPIEGELESQUE 14 GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

16

EASTER ORATORIO – BACH AKADEMIE AUSTRALIA

18

ANN-DROID THE WONDERFUL ADVENTURES OF A ROBOT GIRL 20 JEKYLL & HYDE

22

PLAYLIST 24 30 SOMETHING

26

MY ROBOT

28

THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE

30

MICF ROADSHOW

32

THE SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE

34

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL

36

THE MELL-O-TONES

38

THE WHARF REVUE 2020

40

LIGHTS IN THE PARK

42

BEEP 44 CARMEN 46

CONTENTS

KANGAROO

48

DADS 50 30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

52

LOOSE ENDS

54

LAMB 56 JUST LIVE ON STAGE!

58

EDWARD THE EMU

60

Q THEATRE

62 – 64

MORNING MELODIES

65 – 66

FOR SENIORS

67 – 68

ALSO AT THE JOAN

69

WHO WE ARE

70

IN RESIDENCE:

PENRITH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

71 – 72

PENRITH MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY

SUPPORT US ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

73 74 – 76

ATTENDING THE JOAN

77

SEATING MAPS

78

SUBSCRIPTION STEPS

79

ORDER FORM

80

EASY WAYS TO BOOK

82

Penrith Performing & Visual Arts acknowledges the unique status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of lands and waters, including the land and waters of Western Sydney.

THEJOAN.COM.AU 4

H

ave your calendar handy and read through this guide. This year we’ve ordered it chronologically, so you can make it work for you: holidays first, shows next, everything else later.

Some people like to bring friends and family together and make plans as a group, others prefer to make plans for themselves; and gifts and surprises are always good.

Once you’ve chosen some shows, fill in the form at the back of this book, send it in and you’re on your way. If you prefer to book online or by phone that’s cool too.

You can choose four, six or eight shows to include in your subscription. You’ll be choosing one ticket for you to attend each of those shows. If you’d like extra tickets you can either subscribe with a friend or buy guest tickets for them to join you (they’ll get your discount too!).

Once you’re a subscriber you’ve unlocked extra discounts throughout the year.

A four pack subscriber will receive a 10% discount on any further tickets purchased.

A six pack subscriber will receive 12%.

An eight pack subscriber will receive 15% and will also receive a complimentary Penrith Arts Lover membership in 2020.

SOME OF THE MANY GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE • Save your cash

8 6 4

SHOWS

SHOWS

SHOWS

15% OFF

Includes bonus FREE Penrith Arts Lover membership!

12% OFF 10% OFF

(and once you’ve bought your subscription, you’ll unlock that level discount for any other Joan-presented shows you purchase)

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

• Best seats in the house (and first dibs on them – subscribers receive season information hot off the press with an exclusive presale window) • Flexibility to change: with free exchanges • Plan ahead, no last minute scrambling for the hottest ticket in town, or any ticket for that matter Subscribe before 31 December 2019 to go into the draw to win a prize pool including overnight accommodation in a one bedroom apartment at Quest Penrith, a $100 voucher for Cafe at Lewers, and passes for Treetops Western Sydney and Scenic World. See thejoan.com.au for details.

YOUR CHEAT SHEET – WHAT TO EXPECT We love each and every show at The Joan.

We love the big ones, the small ones and those that refuse to be defined.

We know each show has its own voice and song and dance and story and want to help you connect with the right show for you.

FUN We’re talking laughs, lightness and a good time with your friends.

CLASSIC Think big, beautiful events filled with top notch artists serving up beautiful work.

ADVENTUROUS Cutting edge new work that will keep you wanting more.

Fortune favours the bold.

KIDS & FAMILIES Specially created for a family audience.

YOUNG ADULTS These works have been created by and for young adults; beyond childhood, and on the way to adulthood. Can be enjoyed by all people aged 14 and up.

FUN

CLASSIC

ADVENTUROUS

KIDS & FAMILIES

YOUNG ADULTS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 6

WE’RE BUILDING A DREAM, AND YOU’RE PART OF IT.

W

e’ve been talking to our audience and understand how important it is to feel at home at our venue; particularly before and after the show.

In the hour before each performance you can collect your tickets, relax and enjoy a cheese platter (pre-ordered online). Following the performance, where possible we’ll be offering Q & A sessions and chances to meet the artists. The bar will be staying open, the mood lighting will be set and we’ll have a variety of non-alcoholic options for the drivers. We’re offering you somewhere to relax and share reflections on your night, grab a drink of your preference, something light to eat and somewhere comfortable to sit.

THE JOAN EXPERIENCE

THE ARTS? INTRODUCING PENRITH ARTS LOVER – THE KEY THAT UNLOCKS YOUR CREATIVE CITY We know Western Sydney is full of creative people and businesses, so we’re bringing like minded types together under a membership program, with Penrith Performing & Visual Arts at its hub. Called Penrith Arts Lover, the program has an annual joining fee of $40 (unless you subscribe to 8 shows or more – in which case it’s free), and offers benefits including: • Two buy-one-get-free ticket offers on shows presented by The Joan in 2020 • A discount on drinks at The Joan’s Q and Borland Foyer bars • Invitations to Exhibition Openings at Penrith Regional Gallery • A 10% discount on purchases over $20 at the Penrith Regional Gallery gift shop • Partner specials: we are building a growing list of PAL partners, including Mr Watkin’s, Quest Apartments Penrith, Cafe at Lewers, Beefy’s Burgers and The Very Bazaar, all of which have special offers for PAL members.

Photo (left): Daisy Moon, Katy Green Loughrey Photo (right): Yellow Yellow Sometimes Blue, Teniola Komolafe

THEJOAN.COM.AU 8

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

SPIEGELESQUE

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

BACH’S EASTER ORATORIO

MAY

JUNE

JUNE

30 SOMETHING

MY ROBOT

THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE

JULY

AUGUST

AUGUST

THE MELL-O-TONES

THE WHARF REVUE 2020

LIGHTS IN THE PARK

SEPTEMBER

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

DADS

30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

LOOSE ENDS

2020 AT A GLANCE

APRIL

MAY

MAY

ANN-DROID THE WONDERFUL ADVENTURES OF A ROBOT GIRL

PLAYLIST

JEKYLL & HYDE

JUNE

JULY

JULY

MICF ROADSHOW

THE SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL

AUGUST

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

BEEP

CARMEN

KANGAROO

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

NOVEMBER

LAMB

JUST LIVE ON STAGE!

EDWARD THE EMU

FUN | CLASSIC | ADVENTUROUS THEJOAN.COM.AU 10

JANUARY

FILM FESTIVAL FILM

I

t’s hot outside, school holidays are still in full swing and you’ve had enough of the festive season. How about retreating to a cool, dark theatre to indulge yourself in some of the best and most iconic movies to come out of the 80s?

Whether you opt to don shoulder pads and bubble skirts, ruffled collars or high waisted jeans – your choice. But join us from 11 – 18 January when we bring you our 80s Film Festival: Festive Season Recovery Edition.

Bring the kids (ratings permitting), lower your expectations and prepare for some fun.

Saturday 11 11am 2pm

THE PRINCESS BRIDE PG 98 minutes DIRTY DANCING M 100 minutes

Monday 13 11am 2pm

RISKY BUSINESS M FOOTLOOSE M

Tuesday 14 11am 2pm

FLASHDANCE M THE PRINCESS BRIDE PG

Wednesday 15 11am DIRTY DANCING M 2pm RISKY BUSINESS M

99 minutes 107 minutes 95 minutes 98 minutes 100 minutes 99 minutes

Thursday 16 11am 2pm

FOOTLOOSE M FLASHDANCE M

Friday 17 11am 2pm

THE PRINCESS BRIDE PG 98 minutes DIRTY DANCING M 100 minutes

Saturday 18 10am 12pm 2pm 4pm 6pm

RISKY BUSINESS M 99 minutes FOOTLOOSE M 107 minutes FLASHDANCE M 95 minutes THE PRINCESS BRIDE PG 98 minutes DIRTY DANCING M 100 minutes

107 minutes 95 minutes

VENUE

Q Theatre

FUN

SHOWS

11 January – 18 January

TICKETS

Single film $12 Festival pass $50

CLASSIC

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 12

FEBRUARY

L

eave your real life at the door.

Take a serendipitous romp to the sumptuous world of cabaret, comedy, circus and burlesque.

Part cabaret, part dance, part circus and all decadent world-class entertainment, Spiegelesque is immersive and eclectic.

With dynamic dancing, aerial artistry, sultry singers, sequins, feathers and poles, it’s daring, comical, sexy and spectacular – a kaleidoscope of entertainment like you’ve never seen before.

Why not grab a group and be dazzled by acclaimed star Wayne Scott Kermond and his dynamic cast of entertainers.

Audience info | Ages 15+ | Duration 130 minutes including a 20 minute interval POST-SHOW Join the performers for a meet and greet at the bar after every show. Check out their costumes close up; have a photo and a chat.

SPIEGELESQUE CABARET | MUSIC

VIP EXPERIENCE Get up close to the action! Limited Cabaret Style table seating available. Book one of these eight tables for two for just $140 (you can add up to two guests at standard prices).

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

FUN

Saturday 29 February 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 14

MARCH

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE DRAMA

S

ometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking but always compelling, Grace Under Pressure weaves together the experiences of the health professionals that look after us.

WRITERS David Williams & Paul Dwyer in collaboration with the Sydney Arts & Health Collective DIRECTOR David Williams

Health professionals are with us when we’re born, and they’re with us when we die. They devote their lives to caring for us, but how do we care for them? Can a doctor or nurse give a patient the best possible care if he or she hasn’t slept for days? What if they’re also being bullied or sexually harassed at work? What if they complain about having to work excessive hours, but are told to stop whinging and suck it up?

How do they cope with the pressure?

Based on interviews with doctors and nursing staff, Grace Under Pressure invites a conversation about these often taboo issues.

The audience is invited to peek behind the scenes of this fascinating industry. You may be shocked at what you find.

Audience info | Duration 85 minutes | Occasional coarse language | Challenging content warnings – includes descriptions of sexual harassment in the workplace, a description of a suicide attempt, and descriptions of surgical procedures.

POST-SHOW Q & A Join the writers and cast after the 2pm matinee for deeper insights into the production.

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Saturday 28 March 2pm & 7.30pm

FUN

TICKETS

Standard $40

CLASSIC

Concession $35 Under 30s $30 Grace Under Pressure was co-commissioned by Seymour Centre and The Big Anxiety, and developed with the support of the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Sydney. The Big Anxiety was assisted by the Australian government through the Department of Communication and the Arts’ Catalyst—Australian Arts and Culture Fund.

This tour of Grace Under Pressure has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.

Seniors Matinee $30 Health Professionals $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 16

APRIL

A

beautiful lead-in to Easter, an opportunity to be spellbound, transported by Bach Akademie Australia who will sweep you away with the lush sounds of Johann Sebastian Bach.

Bach Akademie Australia welcomes the internationally renowned American countertenor Reginald Mobley to Australia in this musical celebration of Easter.

Reginald’s astonishingly beautiful voice will feature in Bach’s heartbreaking cantata BWV 82 ‘Ich habe genug’. Cantata BWV 42 follows with a message of hope and comfort for all.

Finally Bach Akademie Australia presents one of Bach’s best loved and most jubilant works, the Easter Oratorio.

Its message of pure joy and celebration continues to uplift, inspire and comfort us all these many hundreds of years later.

Audience info | Duration 120 minutes

BACH’S EASTER ORATORIO FINE MUSIC

FULL PROGRAM BWV 82 ‘Ich habe genug’ BWV 42 ‘Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats’ BWV 249 Easter Oratorio

VENUE

Concert Hall

SHOWS

FUN

Saturday 4 April 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 18

APRIL

F

or kids whose first passion is video games, Ann-Droid the Wonderful Adventures of a Robot Girl may well be the perfect early theatre experience. This show combines theatre with animation in a present day take on the Pinocchio story.

Bereaved eccentric inventor Alfred invents a robot girl, Ann. She is tasked with completing a mission: to collect the lost creatures.

During her magical journey on the ground, in the air and underwater, she learns what it means to be a human.

Audience info | Duration 50 minutes | Ages 4+

ANN-DROID THE WONDERFUL ADVENTURES OF A ROBOT GIRL KIDS & FAMILIES

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

School holidays

Wednesday 22 April 10am & 12pm Thursday 23 April 10am & 12pm

TICKETS

All tickets $25

Family of four $90

KIDS & FAMILIES

THEJOAN.COM.AU 20

MAY “Joyful, positive, sexy, hilarious and clever.”

Pantograph Punch

JEKYLL & HYDE COMEDY

C

omedy. Thrills. Chaos. Delight.

Meet the most delightfully evil man alive, Mr Hyde.

This ridiculous rendition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, Jekyll and Hyde is retold by a team of charmingly ‘French’ performers with the help of the audience.

Gather up your friends, lovers, and distant cousins, and prepare to unleash your inner monster!

A Slightly Isolated Dog have built a reputation for shaking up well-known stories, and injecting their trademark outrageous physical comedy and twisted pop songs to the telling. It’s gloriously silly fun.

Audience info | Duration 75 minutes

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 8 May 7.30pm

FUN

Saturday 9 May 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $45

Concession $40 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 22

MAY “They dance, they share, they speak from the heart.

Over the next goddess powered 70 minutes, we will get an insight into what inspires these emergent artists.”

Sydney Arts Guide

P

LAYLIST is Beyoncé meets the women’s marches meets Australian Idol. It’s full of suburban dreams and pop star fantasies.

Five incredible young women talk about their favourite female pop stars and how these narratives inspire and shape their personal worlds in this genre-defying dance theatre work.

The extraordinary cast represent a unique and powerful cross section of emerging artists in contemporary Australia, featuring Ebube Uba, a NigerianAustralian actor and dancer; Neda Taha, a Tongan-Iraqi-Australian hip hop dancer; May Tran a Vietnamese-Australian slam poet; comedic actor Tasha O’Brien; and Croatian- Australian pop star Mara Knezevic.

Created by PYT Fairfield (Jump First, Ask Later), one of Australia’s most celebrated makers of brave and transformative new work that reflects the cultural diversity of contemporary Australia.

Audience info | Ages 14+, coarse language, adult themes, strobe and haze | Duration 70 minutes A PY T FAIRFIELD PRODUCTION

PLAYLIST DANCE | DRAMA

DIRECTOR Karen Therese CHOREOGRAPHER Larissa McGowan DESIGNER Zanny Begg CO -SOUND DESIGNERS Jasmine Guffond & Gail Priest LIGHTING DESIGNER Verity Hampson DRAMATURG Kate Armstrong-Smith ASSOCIATE ARTIST Koco Carey

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Wednesday 27 May 7.30pm Schools Performances Wednesday 27 May Thursday 28 May 10am

TICKETS

YOUNG ADULTS

FUN

CLASSIC

Standard $40

Concession $35 Under 30s $30

ADVENTUROUS

Photo: Alex Wisser

THEJOAN.COM.AU 24

MAY “Hugely entertaining! Alcorn and Scott turn out to be hilarious solo and together and a musical partnership made in heaven.”

Stage Noise

B

low your wig and top up your giggle juice. You’re gonna party like it’s 1939!

It’s New Years Eve, Bohemia Kings Cross.

She’s been wowing Hollywood! He’s been touring Queanbeyan. But on the last night of the decade, Phil and Catherine reunite to count you down to the end of a very dramatic era. Politics, great depression, booze… and that’s just in the dressing room!

Caught somewhere between Casablanca and The Cotton Club join award-winning Maestro of mischief Phil Scott and powerhouse canary Catherine Alcorn for a thrilling joyride back to their 18 karat lounge act where you’ll soon see she’s 30 something and he’s… not.

Audience info | Duration 80 minutes | Mild course language DRESS CODE: Puttin’ on the Ritz!

PRESENTED BY TENACIOUS C , TEKULE AND DTCM

30 SOMETHING CABARET | MUSIC

Featuring the stars of The Wharf Revue and The Divine Miss Bette!

CREATED BY Phil Scott and Catherine Alcorn

VIP EXPERIENCE Get up close to the action! Limited Cabaret Style table seating available. Book one of these six tables for two for just $140 (you can add up to two guests at standard prices).

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

FUN

Saturday 30 May 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 26

JUNE

A

show about making new friends – literally!

When Ophelia moves with her family to the seaside, she’s not impressed. She doesn’t like the beach, misses her old home and thinks the people in this town are pretty strange. While unpacking her room she discovers a mysterious box full of gadgets, parts and pieces, and a strange note that reads ‘You. Make. Me.’ Her curiosity gets the better of her and she spends all night assembling the objects into Olivetti, a robot with a typewriter chest and an alarm clock heart. Made up of pieces, but more than the sum of her parts.

My Robot takes audiences of all ages on a rambunctious adventure filled with robot antics, laughter, daring rescues and bewildered parents, all told with the care and artistry synonymous with Barking Gecko’s award-winning shows.

Audience info | Duration 60 minutes | Ages 4 – 12

A BARKING GECKO THEATRE PRODUCTION

MY ROBOT KIDS & FAMILIES

PL AY WRIGHT Finegan Kruckemeyer DIRECTOR & DRAMATURG Matt Edgerton DESIGNER Isla Shaw LIGHTING DESIGNER Chris Donnelly COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER James Luscombe ROBOT DESIGNER Steve Berrick

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Wednesday 3 June 12pm* & 6pm Thursday 4 June 10am* & 1pm* These performances are also open to school audiences.

Check website for details.

*

TICKETS

All tickets $25

Family of four $90

KIDS & FAMILIES

THEJOAN.COM.AU 28

JUNE

A

comedy, a romance, a ripping good yarn – The Sentimental Bloke is an icon of Australian early silent film.

Set in the Sydney working class suburb of Woolloomooloo and based on the best-selling verses of C J Dennis’ 1915 book The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke, Raymond Longford’s film humorously tells the heart-warming story of larrikin Bill – the Sentimental Bloke – his sweetheart Doreen, and his ruffian mate Ginger Mick.

This National Film and Sound Archive version incorporates footage found in the vaults of George Eastman House (Rochester, New York) and has restored the vibrant colours of the original tinting and toning.

Audience info | Duration 106 minutes

THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE FILM | FINE MUSIC

WITH NEW MUSIC SCORE COMPOSED AND PERFORMED BY Ian Munro & Calvin Bowman

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Education Performance Friday 12 June 11am Q&A at 1.30pm Saturday 13 June 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

FUN

Standard $60

Concession $55

CLASSIC

Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30 Students $20 (Education Performance)

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 30

JUNE

A

ustralia’s favourite comedy convoy is locked, loaded and hitting every corner of the country!

Join the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow as it rolls into Penrith, delivering the hottest acts direct from Australia’s largest comedy festival to your backyard.

Featuring an all killer, no filler line-up of Australian stars, talented newcomers and international performers, we’ve got all your comedy cravings covered. Buckle up for a night of stand-up, sketch, satire, silliness and song in this rip-roaring road trip of a life time!

Audience info | Approximately 135 minutes including 20 minute interval

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW COMEDY

“An event no comedy fan should miss.”

Satellite

VENUE

Concert Hall

FUN

SHOWS

Tuesday 16 June 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $45

Concession $40 Under 30s $30

ADVENTUROUS

Photo: MICF / Jim Lee

THEJOAN.COM.AU 32

JULY

A

rmed only with their voices, a sly collection of hats and facial hair, and a twinkle in the eye, the Spooky Men’s Chorale commentates on the absurdity and grandeur of the modern male.

Sometimes silly and humorous, sometimes blissfully tender-hearted, the Spooky Men strike a deeply human chord.

Find out why the group has won over audiences internationally with its blend of beautiful ballads, Georgian table songs and tongue-in-cheek anthems like ‘Don’t stand between a man and his tool’.

Audience info | Duration 105 minutes including a 20 minute interval

THE SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE MUSIC | COMEDY

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 3 July 7.30pm

“It takes a rare skill to be very silly, thoughtful, and sing in perfect harmony, but the Spooky Men’s Chorale manage to achieve just that.”

Robin Denselow, Guardian live review

FUN

Saturday 4 July 2pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 34

JULY

B

ack by popular demand!

★★★★★ “A hilariously funny, astute inspiring show.”

One of Australia’s favourite performers, Jonathan Biggins, is Paul Keating – visionary, reformer and rabble-rouser – in the return of the 2019 smash hit comedy, The Gospel According to Paul.

Full of intelligence and wit, The Gospel According to Paul is a funny, insightful and occasionally poignant portrait of Paul Keating, the man that – as he tells it – single-handedly shaped contemporary Australia.

Like so many Australians, Jonathan has long been fascinated by Keating and what Keating means to Australia. Showcasing his eviscerating wit, rich rhetoric and ego the size of Everest, The Gospel According to Paul distils Keating’s essence into 90 minutes, focusing on key biographical milestones, landmark political achievements and personal obsessions. It shows the man who grew up in the tribe of the Labor Party and gained an education at the knee of Jack Lang, who treated economics as an artform, and demanded we confront the wrongs of our colonial past.

Biggins asks the question – what can we learn today from this singular politician, and the momentous time in our country’s history he dominated?

Audience info | Duration 90 minutes POST-SHOW Q & A Join Jonathan Biggins after the 2pm matinee for deeper insights into the production.

SOFT TREAD’S

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL DRAMA | COMEDY

Limelight

WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY Jonathan Biggins DIRECTOR Aarne Neeme DESIGNER Mark Thompson LIGHTING DESIGNER Verity Hampson SOUND AND VIDEO DESIGNER David Bergman

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Saturday 11 July 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

FUN

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

Photo: Brett Boardman

THEJOAN.COM.AU 36

JULY “Outstanding stuff. The Mell-O-Tones have done an astonishing job recreating the sound of the swing era.”

Sydney Star Observer

THE MELL-O-TONES MUSIC

I

t’s the ultimate big band! Sydney’s finest jazz and swing musicians come together to perform a sparkling repertoire of classics from the swing-era; music from the golden age of Broadway and Hollywood, Latin-American cha-cha, rumba and mambo evergreens; and big band versions of the great songs associated with legends like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire.

The 15 piece big band, led by conductor and vocalist Phillip Sametz (a name ABC Classic FM listeners will recognise), is a fixture on the Sydney arts and entertainment scene, performing everywhere from glittering opening night parties, to the Opera House New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Archibald Prize Preview and in annual concert seasons at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace in Cremorne. Their ABC Classics album Non-Stop Flight was nominated for an ARIA award for Best Jazz Album.

Audience info | Matinee 90 minutes no interval, evening 120 minutes including interval

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

FUN

Saturday 25 July 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 38

AUGUST

A

fter 20 years the comedy institution bids farewell.

Don’t miss out on this one last hurrah as the indefatigable trio of Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott reunite with dazzling accomplice Mandy Bishop for one final victory lap of The Wharf Revue.

It’s good night and good luck to the comedy juggernaut that’s been keeping the bastards honest since 2000.

The bad news is that the planet is on fire and our world leaders are barely qualified to run a chook raffle. And the good?

The Wharf Revue has fake news, fake hair and real laughs in abundance. No one is safe and no topic too taboo in this night of sketches, songs and side-splitting satire. You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll want to move to New Zealand!

Audience info | Duration 90 minutes POST-SHOW Q & A Join the cast after the performance on Friday 14 August 7.30pm for deeper insights into the production.

A SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

THE WHARF REVUE 2020: GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK COMEDY | MUSIC

“Its best material is so hysterical that twice I was brought to tears – an activity usually reserved for funerals, Puccini and hitting my thumb with a hammer.”

Sydney Morning Herald

BY Jonathan Biggins, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott CO -DIRECTED BY Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe MUSICAL DIRECTOR Phillip Scott LIGHTING DESIGNER Matt Cox WITH Jonathan Biggins, Mandy Bishop, Drew Forsythe and Phillip Scott

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Thursday 13 August 7.30pm Friday 14 August 7.30pm

FUN

Saturday 15 August 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $70

Concession $65 Under 30s $30

ADVENTUROUS

THEJOAN.COM.AU 40

AUGUST

“Things feel darker in the dark, don’t they? Okay, that sounded more profound in my head.”

Amy

O

ne quiet night, the street lights flicker out and plunge the world into darkness. A ‘lights out’ party is announced in Royal Park, and every kid in town makes their way there to celebrate this strange occurrence.

A trio of role-players leave their game and embark on a quest for revenge... two enterprising youngsters sell torches at reasonable prices... the disgraced star of a viral video looks to make her social comeback and the floor-mopper at the local chemist encounters the worst kind of shoplifter. All these stories unfold on the way to Royal Park because everybody’s on their way to the same party. And it is not to be missed.

Audience info | Duration 80 minutes | Ages 14 +

AN AT YP AND Q THEATRE COPRODUCTION

LIGHTS IN THE PARK DRAMA

WRITTEN BY Alexander Lee-Rekers DIRECTOR Lucy Clements

VENUE

Allan Mullins Studio

SHOWS

Wednesday 5 August 7.30pm Thursday 6 August 7.30pm Friday 7 August 12pm & 7.30pm Saturday 8 August 7.30pm Wednesday 12 August 12pm & 7.30pm Thursday 13 August 7.30pm Friday 14 August 12pm & 7.30pm Saturday 15 August 7.30pm 12pm performances are also open to school audiences. Check website for details.

*

TICKETS

YOUNG ADULTS

FUN

CLASSIC

Standard $35

Concession $30 Students $20

ADVENTUROUS

Photo: Luke Stambouliah, Justin Stambouliah

THEJOAN.COM.AU 42

AUGUST

A

slightly sideways tale from the makers of Grug. A story about unexpected friendship, finding where you fit and learning to mix it up a little.

In Mort’s Village everything has its place, every day is the same and everyone likes it that way. Until one morning, crash, boom, bang… down comes Beep.

What is this annoying interruption to Mort’s breakfast molly melon, who is this noisy robot girl, and how will she find her home?

With Windmill’s trademark design, gentle storytelling, music and puppetry, Beep tells the story of what happens when someone new comes to town.

Audience info | Duration 35 minutes | Ages 2 – 7 years

A WINDMILL THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

BEEP KIDS & FAMILIES

“If you’ve never taken the family to the theatre before then Beep is definitely the show to start them on … opening their imagination and wonder to a whole new world of entertainment.”

Kids In Adelaide

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Thursday 27 August 12pm* & 6pm Friday 28 August 10am* & 12pm* These performances are also open to school and childcare group audiences.

Check website for details.

*

TICKETS

All tickets $25

Family of four $90

KIDS & FAMILIES

THEJOAN.COM.AU 44

AUGUST

C

aught between her desire for love and a longing for freedom, Carmen faces an impossible choice. Carmen is enigmatic and elusive: a femme fatale you can’t forget. She captivates Don José with her sensual Habanera and he abandons everything to possess her. But Carmen won’t be owned and finds herself a new lover: the dashing bullfighter Escamillo.

Don José’s jealousy is untameable, Escamillo’s appeal is strong, and in a gripping finale, Carmen is destined to fight for her life.

This new production highlights the colour and vibrancy of postcard Spain, with vintageinspired costumes it evokes an era of bikers and shady police in a post-war setting of teen angst and rebellion.

A cast of some of Australia’s finest opera singers assemble with a chamber orchestra and a local children’s chorus to perform one of the world’s most popular opera. Hear some of opera’s most famous tunes such as the Habanera and the Toreador Song when you join us for Opera Australia’s 25th Anniversary tour of Bizet’s Carmen.

Audience info | Duration 2 hours and 35 minutes (including interval) | Sung in French with English surtitles

AN OPERA AUSTRALIA PRODUCTION

CARMEN OPERA | FINE MUSIC

VENUE

Concert Hall

SHOWS

FUN

Friday 28 August 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $70

Concession $65 Under 30s $30

ADVENTUROUS

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SEPTEMBER

I

n a small town, three strangers become intricately entwined by the events of one fateful night.

Melissa, a mother at 18, is escaping a home life with an abusive father only to realise that history is repeating.

Mick tends the sewage facility and collects the town’s garbage. Once a bright child, betrayal by a trusted adult forms his home-grown philosophy about life’s disposability.

Barbara is a former university lecturer in art settling into country life. Her academic understanding of death is confronted by the cycle of life.

Kangaroo is a rich 60 minutes of debut theatre from playwright Miranda Gott (Bathurst). The play reveals a dark and poetic world of solitude, strength, survival and death.

Audience info | Ages 14+ | Duration approximately 65 minutes | Adult themes | Coarse language

A BMEC , Q THEATRE & LINGUA FRANCA CO -PRODUCTION

KANGAROO DRAMA

WRITER Miranda Gott DIRECTOR Becky Russell

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 4 September 7.30pm

FUN

Saturday 5 September 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $45

Concession $40 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

The development of this work has been supported by ROUTES – a regional partnership between Lingua Franca, Local Stages BMEC and Q Theatre.

This project is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. THEJOAN.COM.AU 48

SEPTEMBER

D

iscover a secret underworld of Dad dancing, inspired by the experts – the Dads.

Interviewing and dancing with their Dads, the creative team revealed secret headphone and tambourine routines, African Dance lovers, 1960s garage party dancing and so much more.

The team have taken inspiration from their family histories, memories of dance, and their own experience of being professional dancers.

It’s not all daggy dad dance moves, although there’s a few, but a beautiful foray into the layman’s perspective on art.

Audience info | Duration 60 minutes

A DANCE MAKERS COLLECTIVE PRODUCTION

DADS DANCE | COMEDY

DIRECTOR Miranda Wheen

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 18 September 7.30pm

FUN

Saturday 19 September 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $45

Concession $40 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

Photo: Dominic O’Donnell

THEJOAN.COM.AU 50

SEPTEMBER

30TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT FINE MUSIC

T

amara-Anna Cislowska returns to The Joan as Musical Director and pianist for our much anticipated 30th Anniversary celebration.

With some of the best-loved music from around the world, including irresistible rhythms from Latin America, the concert will feature the stunning visual and sonic spectacle of six grand pianos and two percussionists, and music from Bizet’s Carmen, Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, and Piazzolla’s Grand Tango!

The line-up includes: Stephanie McCallum, Kathy Selby, Clemens Leske, Neal Peres da Costa and Tamara-Anna Cislowska; with more to be announced.

VENUE

Concert Hall

SHOWS

FUN

Saturday 26 September 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $70

Concession $65 Under 30s $30

ADVENTUROUS

Photo: Jolene Harris

THEJOAN.COM.AU 52

OCTOBER

O

ut-of-the-Ordinary Visual Theatre, set in a Wondrous Tinkering Heaven.

Makers, creators, and story lovers; dive into a theatrical adventure that feels like the magic box of a bygone trickster!

Journey to an eccentric place where gadgets are poetic, puppets naughty, machines untamed and circus tricks pop up when you’re least expecting it!

This is a world where music appears from lemons, carrots and bunny’s bums, monsters go crazy and birthday parties are ferociously celebrated.

Loose Ends is the story of a man who thinks he can organise all his life in boxes, and has a knack for getting into mischief. Can this tinkerer learn enough about real friendship to keep him out of trouble?

This breathtaking show is highly visual, emotional and unpredictable. It makes inventions and machines fun and adds a few quirky edges to puppetry.

Audience info | Duration 60 minutes | Ages 5 – 12

LOOSE ENDS KIDS & FAMILIES

DEVISED AND PERFORMED BY Jens Altheimer

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Thursday 1 October (60 minute workshops) 11am & 1pm Friday 2 October 10am & 12pm Saturday 3 October 10am & 12pm

TICKETS

All tickets $25

Family of four $90 Workshops $10 (Show ticket holders) $15 (Non-show ticket holders)

KIDS & FAMILIES

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OCTOBER

A

play about family, the land and being the one who stays.

With original music by Mark Seymour.

Written by multi-award winning playwright Jane Bodie, LAMB is a touchingly beautiful play with songs featuring original music by Mark Seymour (Hunters and Collectors). LAMB follows two generations of family, set on an Australian sheep farm.

A bittersweet story of Annie, Kathleen and Patrick, three siblings born onto their parents’ property, LAMB explores the lies and secrets kept, loves lost and opportunities missed. Told with subtlety and humour, LAMB spans 40 years, telling an intimate story of one family and rural life. Mark Seymour’s exquisite original songs feature as part of the story throughout the production.

Audience info | Duration approximately 130 minutes including interval | Moderate Language | Adult Content POST-SHOW Q & A Join the cast after the matinee performance for deeper insights into the production. They’ll also be at the bar after the evening shows for a meet and greet. Don’t miss out!

A RED STITCH THEATRE & CRITICAL STAGES TOURING PRODUCTION

LAMB MUSIC | DRAMA

WRITER Jane Bodie DIRECTOR Julian Meyrick COMPOSER Mark Seymour DRAMATURGS Ella Caldwell & Iain Sinclair SET & COSTUME DESIGN Greg Clarke LIGHTING DESIGN Efterpi Soropos SOUND DESIGN Justin Gardam

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 9 October 7.30pm

FUN

Saturday 10 October 2pm & 7.30pm

TICKETS

CLASSIC

Standard $60

Concession $55 Under 30s $30 Seniors Matinee $30

ADVENTUROUS

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NOVEMBER

A RED LINE PRODUCTION

JUST LIVE ON STAGE! KIDS & FAMILIES

WRITTEN BY Robin Goldsworthy ADAPTED FROM THE JUST BOOK SERIES, WRITTEN BY Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton

A

ndy Griffiths’ universally celebrated book series JUST will finally land on stage in a dazzling production that will vividly and hilariously bring the stories to life.

With everything from invisibility pills and mudmen, to vomiting dogs and death defying balloon rides, this won’t be for the faint farted. Or the fainthearted.

A love letter to the powers of imagination, JUST Live on Stage! brings these rich and wild stories to life.

Creator Andy Griffiths says “the JUST series is where it all began for me and it will be JUST amazing to see these crazy/annoying/stupid stories come alive on stage!”

JUST tricking.

JUST annoying.

JUST stupid.

JUST crazy.

JUST disgusting.

JUST shocking.

JUST doomed.

Just unmissable.

Audience info | Duration 60 minutes | 8 – 12 years

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 6 November 12pm* & 6pm Saturday 7 November 10am & 12pm This performance is also open to school audiences. Check website for details.

*

TICKETS

All tickets $25

Family of four $90

KIDS & FAMILIES

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NOVEMBER

T

he award-winning Monkey Baa team brings to the stage a new imagining of the classic Australian books by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement.

Edward and Edwina both wonder if there is more to life than being an emu, but after adventures beyond the enclosure they discover that being themselves is enough!

Audience info | Duration 50 minutes | Ages 4 – 9

A MONKEY BA A THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION

EDWARD THE EMU KIDS & FAMILIES

BASED ON THE PICTURE BOOKS BY Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement WRITTEN FOR THE STAGE BY Eva Di Cesare DIRECTED BY Eva Di Cesare

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 20 November 12pm* & 6pm Saturday 21 November 10am & 12pm This performance is also open to school audiences.

Check website for details.

*

TICKETS

All tickets $25

Family of four $90

KIDS & FAMILIES

Illustrations by Rod Clement

THEJOAN.COM.AU 60

ST MARYS KID

A

coming of age story. A family get together. A time capsule.

Forty-two years ago St Marys was the inspiration for a Rock Musical.

The show explored what it meant to be a young person in the area, and went on to travel to theatres in Bankstown and Haymarket. Working with young people, seniors, local artists and Q Theatre alumni, we’re hosting a get together. There will be music, performance and discussion all hosted in St Marys. Performances and events will range in duration and can be mixed and matched to suit your schedule.

St Marys Kid is produced in partnership between Q Theatre and Penrith City Council’s Community & Cultural Development team. It kicks off a multi-year project in the St Marys community that seeks to amplify existing local arts and culture and build bridges between generations living in the area.

Q THEATRE

PEOPLE IN THE PARK

A

love story. A bite to eat.

A portable theatre project.

There’s a park in Kingswood. It’s not far from the station. It’s the sort of park with a swing set and shops across the road. There’s more to this park than meets the eye though.

Take a second look.

Hosted around the Q Theatre caravan and in partnership with Penrith City Council’s Neighbourhood Renewal Team, People in the Park is a two-week program of performance and cultural activities. There’s food, workshops and a love story written by Tasnim Hossain inspired by the Village Café Project. You can expect an intimate experience of theatre under the stars. We’re hoping the weather is just right, but will have back-ups if it’s looking over-cast.

TICKETS

Tickets for People in the Park and St Marys Kid will be released a little closer to the event dates.

If you’d like to be notified when they’re available, please send and an email to boxoffice@penrith.city and we’ll keep you up to date.

Photos: Christina Mishell

THEJOAN.COM.AU 62

SNAPSHOT (AY TF2020)

O

k, everyone say cheeeeeeeeeeese.

We’re in the business of making moments. Big moments, little moments, moments you didn’t realise were moments, we love them all. Snapshot is a search mission for photos that capture a moment that changed everything. There’s that photo of the monkey taking a selfie, or that one with the nurse and sailor kissing when the war ended, oh and there’s the first photo of Earth taken from space.

These moments make us, shape us and cast a line between the past, the present and a possible future. Snapshot brings together eight schools under the direction of eight leading theatre makers to create a play filled with new moments about past moments.

Audience info | Duration 120 minutes including 20 minute interval

Q THEATRE

VENUE

Q Theatre

SHOWS

Friday 26 June 12pm and 7pm

TICKETS

$25 Adult

$20 Concession $20 Student One teacher free per 10 students, additional teachers at student price

THE BIG BLUE (ORIGINATE)

T

here’s nothing but blue for days.

Can’t go over it. Can’t go under it. I guess we’ll have to go… blue it? Breaking apart the Hydrogen from the Oxygen and calling in a King Tide we’re carrying this ship a little further than we’ve been before. A crew of emerging artists sets sail with nothing more than a trusty scientist to uncover the myths and untold stories from Davy Jones’ Locker to the Mariana Trench.

Q Theatre’s Originate project continues to bring together enembles of up and coming theatre makers to train, collaborate and create. Catch this fresh new work before it heads back out to sea.

VENUE

Allan Mullins Studio

SHOWS

Preview Wednesday 23 September 7.30pm Opening Night Thursday 24 September 7.30pm Season Friday & Saturday 25 – 26 September 7.30pm

TICKETS

$22 Adult

$18 Concession $15 Preview

Photos: Christina Mishell

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F

or 30 years Morning Melodies has entertained a loyal community of followers who have become a vital and ongoing part of The Joan’s history. Come and join us for another great year of marvellous music and morning tea!

Wednesday 22 January AUSSIE ICONS FOREVER Little Pattie, Jim Haynes and the Greg Hooper Trio. Two of Australia’s iconic treasures have pooled their talent in early celebration of Australia Day. Wednesday 26 February DUETS Tony Mazell, Guy Taylor, Shilo Khader & Sara Mazell and the Greg Hooper Trio. A showcase of the worldwide hit duets from the 40s to today.

Wednesday 25 March LONNIE LEE’S BACK TO BASE X – 63 YEARS AND STILL ROCKIN’ Lonnie Lee & The Leemen. Listen, watch and witness why this icon is still adored and respected after nearly 60 years recording and on stage.

Wednesday 22 April LEADING MEN WITH A LEADING LADY Darryl Lovegrove, Derek Metzger, Scott Irwin and Danielle Barnes with the Greg Hooper Trio. Inspired by the greatest songs of music theatre this best of Broadway inspired act features stars who all have played leading roles in Australia’s most popular musicals.

Wednesday 27 May THE NSW POLICE BAND With vocalist Belinda Adams. In celebration of its 125th year the NSW Police Band will take you on a journey through the music.

Wednesday 24 June ELVIS & FRIENDS Damian Mullin and Yesterdays Heroes. A rock-n-roll ride with the voice and moves that capture the essence of the King in this high energy show.

MORNING MELODIES

Wednesday 22 July WITH LOVE – MARILYN Erin Sullivan, Simon Gillespie and the Bill Risby Trio Direct from New York. A musical story about the late Marilyn Monroe.

Wednesday 26 August HEADLINERS – STARS OF YESTERDAY AND TODAY Danny Elliott, Grant Galea, Angela Ayers and the Greg Hooper Trio.

A tribute to the great singers of yesterday and today, from Elton John to Bobby Darin, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Linda Ronstadt.

Wednesday 23 September ROYAL AUSTRALIAN NAVY BAND Be prepared for a big, celebratory, ceremonial sound, with plenty of familiar favourites.

Wednesday 28 October THE GOLDEN BOYS OF AUSSIE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL Roland Storm, Lucky Starr, Bob Howe and the Greg Hooper Trio.

Come along and let the good times roll with The Golden Boys as they share the stage together and treat you to some of the hits they performed on 6 O’clock Rock, Bandstand and Sing Sing Sing.

Wednesday 25 November SHOWSTOPPERS Michael Montgomery. Leigh Archer, Beau Smith and the Greg Hooper Trio. From power ballads, to show-tunes and classic favourites.

Wednesday 16 December A JOLLY HOLLY CHRISTMAS Graeme Wright, Company B, Amber Jade and the John Keating Trio. Featuring an Andrews Sisters tribute, big band favourites and renditions of Pavarotti, Bocelli, Lanza and Caruso classics.

TICKETS

$20 in a six show subscription

$22 advance purchase $25 on the day

THEJOAN.COM.AU 66

THE MELL-O-TONES

H

ere at The Joan, we are all about being inclusive and ensuring that we have great programs for everyone! We also value our loyal customers who have showed up from way back. You spoke, we’ve listened.

Our $30 Seniors Matinees were loved by many in 2019 – so many that we’ve extended them in 2020 across 11 shows in our season. All Seniors Matinee Prices apply to 2pm Saturday performances. Enjoy great music, entertainment and drama for just $30. These sessions were very popular in 2019, so get in early!

SENIOR MATINEES 29 February SPIEGELESQUE

11 July THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL

28 March GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

25 July THE MELL-O-TONES

9 May JEKYLL & HYDE

5 September KANGAROO

30 May 30 SOMETHING

19 September DADS

13 June THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE

10 October LAMB

4 July THE SPOOKY MEN’S CHORALE

FOR SENIORS

ELEVENSES

AGILE NOT FRAGILE

F

rom attending performances, to learning to dance, and listening to talks about some of our most intrigiung works of art and music – you’re always welcome at The Joan.

AGILE NOT FRAGILE Agile Not Fragile is a mature age contemporary dance project for the young at heart but not so young of body.

The group rehearses at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre every Friday morning during term time and has performed at many local events.

Be part of Agile Not Fragile for some dance and fun – no experience required.

For more information, contact Fiona James at 0401 912 177 or f_h_james@hotmail.com ELEVENSES: ART + MUSIC INSIGHTS What are some of the great movements of art and music? And why are they significant?

Find out more about exceptional masterpieces and explore the stories behind artists, composers and musicians who created these famous works in the new series at The Joan, Elevenses: Art + Music Insights.

Presented by The Joan and Penrith Regional Gallery, be sure to sign up on our newsletter via thejoan.com.au to be updated about the next session!

THEJOAN.COM.AU 68

W

e may have lots of shows in our Subscription Season but that’s just part of what’s on offer. There are new acts being listed all time: big, small, local, interstate and international.

From Jimmy Barnes to Anh Do; Dr Karl to Missy Higgins – you never know what to expect, so make sure you keep an eye out for our monthly What’s On. Each month we publish a ‘What’s On’ guide. Pick one up at the venue. Or sign up to receive this and other email newsletters via our website. You can also keep your finger on the pulse via our social channels. We’re on Facebook, Instagram and twitter. @joansutherlandperformingartscentre @the_joan @_the_joan THE PERFECT VENUE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT

Rehearsals, meetings, performances large or small, call Jolene or Haydn for details about hiring a venue at The Joan – we can look after you with professional staff, technical and conference equipment. We’ll even organise your catering for you too.

Contact Jolene or Haydn 4723 7624 or email venues@penrith.city for information and quotes.

ALSO AT THE JOAN

P

enrith Performing & Visual Arts is made up of the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith Conservatorium, Q Theatre and Penrith Regional Gallery, and represents a diverse and dynamic blend of creative practice in the Western Sydney region.

Since our establishment back in 2006 we’ve worked to showcase creativity in all its forms to help improve people’s lives and make Penrith a great place to live, work and play.

Our education programs guide people from all ages and stages through their artistic pathways – from those seeking mainstage fame and excellence in their chosen artform, to those wanting to further a personal passion.

As an entity established to offer cultural centres for the entertainment, enjoyment and education of our local community, Penrith Performing & Visual Arts offers more than just the performing and visual arts – it offers a vision of a creative Penrith for the whole community. Our venues are just the beginning.

Photos: The Ugliest Duckling pink carpet opening night, Teniola Komolafe

WHO WE ARE THEJOAN.COM.AU 70

PENRITH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

I

n 2020 The Joan and Penrith Symphony Orchestra – our Orchestra-inResidence – are working together to offer music lovers greater access to all their favourite concerts.

Becoming a Joan Subscriber unlocks a 10% discount code for selected* PSO performances:

Saturday 21 March 7:30pm GRIEG & SIBELIUS Symphonic Series Featuring Grieg’s Piano Concerto, perhaps the best known of all Romantic keyboard concertos.

Sunday 17 May 3:00pm SAINT-SAËNS & TCHAIKOVSKY Symphonic Series The colour and imagination of Tchaikovsky, alongside Saint-Saëns’ luscious Violin Concerto No. 3.

Sunday 14 June 11:00am MUSICAL STORYTELLING Pops for Tots Ever-popular George Ellis returns with special guest and Play School star, Rachael Coopes.

Saturday 1 August 7:30pm OPERA GALA A magical evening, featuring rising young stars and some of the greatest operatic moments.

Saturday 12 September 7:30pm CINEMA CLASSICS Symphonic Series Orchestra and choir combine to present highlights from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, James Bond and many more.

Saturday 7 November 7:30pm BEETHOVEN WAGNER & LISZT Symphonic Series Stephanie McCallum joins PSO as soloist in Beethoven’s majestic fourth piano concerto, alongside the epic grandeur of Wagner and Liszt.

Sunday 6 December 3:00pm MESSIAH A festive favourite, Handel’s much-loved work returns in 2020.

IN RESIDENCE

*Symphonic Series and Opera Gala Photo: Fiora Secco

PENRITH MUSICAL COMEDY COMPANY

B

eginning back in 1978 as the Penrith Youth Musical Society, and growing out of a community’s love for Musical Theatre, Penrith Musical Comedy Company now produces two shows per year and is considered The Joan’s resident Musical Theatre Company.

In 2020 Penrith Musical Comedy Company will present two hugely popular musicals:

GREASE – MAY Join Danny, Sandy, Kenickie, Rizzo and all the gang in the automatic, systematic, hydromatic musical classic Grease. With all your favourite songs and characters, Grease is sure to be a rockin’, rollin’ crowd-pleaser!

BOOK , MUSIC & LYRICS BY Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey.

ANNIE – OCTOBER With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie will charm the hearts of audiences in this much-loved musical. Determined to find the parents who abandoned her, Annie embarks on fun-filled adventures from New York to Washington, eventually finding the comfort and love of a new home and family.

Keep an eye on The Joan’s website and social channels for tickets and special offers!

BOOK BY Thomas Meehan, MUSIC BY Charles Strouse, LYRICS BY Martin Charnin, BASED ON LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE BY permission of The Media Tribune Services, Inc.

THEJOAN.COM.AU 72

WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU...

H

elp bring the arts in Western Sydney to life by supporting Penrith Performing & Visual Arts.

Tax-deductible donations of all sizes help us to create new work, expand artistic dreams, make music, explore ideas, build experiences, and share stories with our community.

Your support helps us to reach out to communities in need and provide vital learning and cultural experiences for children from disadvantaged families.

Contributing helps level the playing field for those less fortunate than us, helping more people share the creative experiences we all enjoy so much.

As a not-for-profit company, every donation makes a difference and we are enormously grateful to all our supporters.

To find out more contact newsfromthejoan@penrith.city IT’S EASY TO DONATE All donations of $2 and above are tax deductible.

Donate online at thejoan.com.au

SUPPORT US

Photos (left): The Ugliest Duckling, Teniola Komolafe (right): Decoded AYTF 2019, Teniola Komolafe

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

Nick Croft, Piano Tuner | Red Cross Australia | Nugan Estate

PENRITH ARTS LOVER FOUNDING PARTNERS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS THEJOAN.COM.AU 74

SPIEGELESQUE

GRACE UNDER PRESSURE

EASTER ORATORIO – BACH AKADEMIE AUSTRALIA

ANN-DROID THE WONDERFUL ADVENTURES OF A ROBOT GIRL

JEKYLL & HYDE

PLAYLIST fairfield

MY ROBOT

30 SOMETHING

THE SENTIMENTAL BLOKE

MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL ROADSHOW

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO PAUL

THE MELL-O-TONES

THE WHARF REVUE 2020 Production Patron: The Petre Foundation

LIGHTS IN THE PARK

BEEP

CARMEN NATIONAL TOUR PARTNERS LEADING PARTNER

PRODUCTION PARTNER

SUPPORTING PARTNER

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

PATRON-IN-CHIEF DR HARUHISA HANDA

GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

OPERA CONFERENCE

KANGAROO

DADS Dance Makers Collective

LAMB

JUST LIVE ON STAGE!

EDWARD THE EMU

THEJOAN.COM.AU 76

ACCESS INFORMATION The Joan is committed to ensuring access for all people.

Our Box Office and Front-of-House staff will be happy to assist with any needs.

• • • • • •

Wheelchair spaces Accessible seating Companion card accepted Hearing loops in the Q Theatre Audio-described performances Lifts from ground floor

INFANTS ATTENDING PERFORMANCES Infants aged under two years do not require a ticket to attend performances at The Joan provided they can sit on a parent’s lap.

The Joan has baby change facilities and a lift available.

GETTING TO THE JOAN You can find us at 597 High Street, close to the Penrith City Council building and Westfield.

We’re a short walk through Westfield from Penrith train station, and if you’re coming by car we’re just off Mulgoa Road, past the roundabout on High Street. There are several parking options nearby.

Our Box Office is on the ground floor, at the Westfield end, near the bar and the lift.

KEEPING IN TOUCH Stay in the loop with our latest news, stories and special offers by following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and head to thejoan.com.au to sign up for our regular newsletters.

ATTENDING THE JOAN

Richard Bonynge Concert Hall CHOIR

RICHARD BONYNGE CONCERT HALL Number of seats 550 Wheelchair spots 4

GALLERY K

5 4 3 2 1

GALLERY G

12 11 10 9 8 7

B 24 23 A 24 23

6 5 4 3 2 1

6 5 4 3 2 1

GALLERY F

Stalls 484

6 5 4 3 2

1

Gallery 106

C

6 5 4 3 2

1

22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5 4 3 2

1

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

13m x 8m

STALLS

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 18 17

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

18 17 DOOR 1

20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

K L M N O P Q R S T V W

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5

20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17 20 19 18 17

Q Theatre

20 19 18 17

J

X

BIO BOX

DOOR

AA BB CC A B C D E F G H J

K L M N O P Q R S T V W

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 4 3 DOOR 2

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

4 3 2

1

GALLERY D

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5 4 GALLERY C 3 2 1

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

6 5 4 GALLERY B 3 2 1

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

GALLERY A

UP TO GALLERY

AA BB CC A B C D E F G H

X X

1

2 3 4

Choir 62

5 4 GALLERY 3 E 2 1

12 11 10 9 8 7

B A

STAGE

20 19 18 17

Q THEATRE

13 12 11 10 9 8 7

22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7

GALLERY J

GALLERY H

C 14

DOOR Number of seats 374

Wheelchair spots 4

SOUND DESK 30 31 32 33 22 23 24 20 21 34 35 36 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 20 37 19 34 35 18 17 12 17 36 16 37 18 11 25 26 27 28 22 29 23 24 21 30 20 15 38 31 32 16 38 18 19 10 19 17 33 39 15 9 20 16 34 15 40 35 14 8 21 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 17 14 36 16 29 41 13 14 22 7 39 15 30 42 12 14 31 40 13 23 6 13 32 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 43 11 41 16 12 24 5 15 33 12 27 13 37 10 44 14 28 11 42 25 4 13 29 12 38 45 9 10 43 12 30 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 3 26 11 39 9 14 44 25 46 8 31 11 13 26 10 40 27 2 11 34 45 8 47 12 27 7 9 41 35 10 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 13 1 28 11 28 7 46 12 6 48 8 42 10 9 36 29 11 23 6 47 10 49 5 32 10 24 43 8 7 37 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 11 9 33 5 9 48 25 4 50 10 19 7 38 44 6 9 34 8 20 9 30 4 49 3 51 6 39 5 45 8 21 31 8 35 7 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 3 50 2 2 52 10 5 40 4 46 26 8 32 7 6 36 11 1 51 2 1 53 7 41 3 4 47 27 33 6 5 37 1 52 7 22 54 6 3 42 2 28 48 5 34 4 38 6 23 53 5 29 43 1 2 49 35 4 3 39 24 5 54 4 30 1 44 50 36 3 2 40 4 25 3 31 45 2 37 1 41 3 26 2 32 1 38 42 27 2 1 33 28 1

Number of seats 374 Wheelchair spots 4

K

17

J

18

K

19

J

H

H

G

F E

G

D

C

B

A

A

B

C

D

F E

STAGE

SEATING MAPS THEJOAN.COM.AU 78

CHOOSE > YOUR SHOW > YOUR DATES > A TIME > ADD GUEST TICKETS Want to bring a guest or a group of friends? No problem. If your guest or group of friends are subscribing as well, simply submit your forms together.

If they aren’t subscribing and you are purchasing tickets for them to attend with you, please fill in GUEST TICKETS, tally them for each show and include the total additional amount in the grand total (your subscription + your guest tickets). If you book them in with you now, your guests can join you at subscriber rates!

Please note no further discounts on Seniors Matinee or under 30s tickets.

NEED HELP CALCULATING YOUR DISCOUNT?

15% 8 OFF 12% 6 OFF 4 10% OFF *

$70

$65

$60

$55

$50

$45

$40

$35

$25

59.50

55.25

51.00

46.75

42.50

38.25

34.00

29.75

21.25

61.60

57.20

52.80 48.40 44.00 39.60

SHOWS

35.20 30.80 22.00

SHOWS

63.00 58.50 54.00 49.50 45.00 40.50 36.00

31.50

22.50

SHOWS

*

Includes bonus FREE Penrith Arts Lover membership!

BEFORE SENDING, PLEASE CHECK THE FOLLOWING CONTACT DETAILS. Please ensure these are clearly written and that you have included your mobile phone and email address as these are the easiest ways for us to contact you.

CHOOSE YOUR SHOWS. Make sure you have selected the package you want and the performances you want to see, with all the relevant boxes ticked or filled in.

SEATING REQUIREMENTS. Please make sure you’ve let us know if you have special needs.

CONCESSION CARDS. If claiming a concession, include a photocopy of your concession card.

TOTALS. Please make sure you’ve completed your adding up and payment details.

If you need help with your subscription or would like to package more than 8 shows, please call 4723 7600 or check our website for more hints thejoan.com.au

SUBSCRIPTION STEPS

ONLINE

PAYMENT

Booking online is easy!

Simply go to our website thejoan.com.au, browse our program and click through to book. You can also subscribe online.

Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard), Cheque or Money Order made out to Penrith Performing & Visual Arts Ltd, Cash (please do not post).

VISIT THE JOAN BOX OFFICE^* 597 High St, Penrith. Our Box Office is open between 9am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, and one hour before each performance.

Email boxoffice@penrith.city Phone (02) 4723 7600 MAIL To: 2020 Subscriptions Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre PO BOX 2 PENRITH NSW 2751

BOOKING FEE A $5 booking fee applies to all transactions (regardless of the number of tickets bought or payment type).

CONCESSIONS We love our audiences young and old(er).

Concession prices apply for all Seniors Card holders, and we’ve set special Seniors Matinee prices on twelve of our season performances – doubling our offer over last year’s. All performances also have an under 30s price.

Concession pricing is available for any type of pensioners, Australian Government Health Care Card and Seniors Card holders as well as full time tertiary, TAFE and school students. ^ During term times. *During peak times it may not be possible for your subscriptionto be processed on the spot.

For more detailed subscriber information including ticketing terms and conditions, ticket exchanges and our privacy statement please visit our website thejoan.com.au Please note. Details are correct at time of printing. We reserve the right to alter without notice program, performers, dates, times and/or prices as may become necessary.

EASY WAYS TO BOOK THEJOAN.COM.AU 82

Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre 597 High Street, Penrith NSW 2750 thejoan.com.au

PENRITH PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS LTD ABN 97 003 605 089 JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE PO Box 2 | Penrith NSW 2751 | 597 High Street Penrith BOX OFFICE | 02 4723 7600 | ppandva.com.au ADMINISTRATION | 02 4723 7611 @joansutherlandperformingartscentre |

@the_joan |

@_the_joan

Q THEATRE | PO Box 2 | Penrith NSW 2751 | 597 High Street Penrith 02 4723 7611 | @qtheatre | @qtheatre_ | qtheatre.com.au PENRITH CONSERVATORIUM | PO Box 2 | Penrith NSW 2751 597 High Street Penrith | 02 4723 7611 @penrithcon | @penrithconservatorium | penrithconservatorium.com.au PENRITH REGIONAL GALLERY, HOME OF THE LEWERS BEQUEST 86 River Road | Emu Plains NSW 2750 ADMINISTRATION | 02 4735 1100 | Fax 02 4735 8334 @penrithregionalgallery | @penrithregionalgallery | @prgtlb penrithregionalgallery.com.au

Cover photo: Christina Mishell Graphic design: RAcreate